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It had been an intense race at Silverstone, not an easy feat for George or Alex despite them both finishing within the top ten. George was insanely proud of his boyfriend, after all, this year's Williams was more comparable to a Rice Krispies box than a competitive formula one car.
As soon as George had finished congratulating his teammate and then friend on their podium positions, he made a b-line to the media pen to find Alex, give him a ‘friendly’ hug and congratulate him on his drive. After all, he had finished in the top ten, again! George had developed the habit of putting his partner's achievements before his a long time ago, his own result did not matter to him. Of course, he was chuffed to hear praising words down the team radio from the garage, but that didn't compare to the burning pride he felt when watching Alex cross the line on one of the fan screens during the cool-down lap.
As he entered the pen and spotted Alex engaging with an interviewer, that's when he saw it. It was the red splodge of blood directly on his shoulder, having seeped through his fireproofs. Remember, George, the public think you’re friends. Suddenly, he didn't care that Alex was in an interview, as he went and congratulated him on his drive strategically, so he could find out more about the injury. Getting the older male to turn round, he pressed lightly about how this had occurred. Apparently, it happened every race due to his height, the skin on his shoulder would rip, heal during the week and then burst back open when he took to the tractor to race again.
George was angry. Not with Alex, but with the Williams team. He was their lead driver, and they hadn't done anything to support him with this injury. They had not come up with a solution despite this happening for weeks. Internally, he entered protective boyfriend mode as he falsely smiled and joked to the camera. The only truth to his demeanour was when he called his partner a warrior because he was! All of the effort, and literal blood sweat and tears he was pouring into the team was unbelievable. Alex must have done a good job at hiding it, as the pair had been together for eight months by now, and George had never noticed such injuries. Although, Alex usually slept clad in a black shirt and sweatpants.
That still didn't stop George from feeling like he’d failed his boy, though. Knowing this was a repetitive occurrence had he’d never noticed the gentle winces of Alex’s facial expressions as he adjusted his posture or the occasional difficulty he had straightening up to escape his car. He wanted to disregard his media duties and storm into the Williams office, giving them hell for putting Alex in this position week after week. He barely had healing time! What if it got infected? What if it stopped healing due to the numerous times it had been compromised?
Instead of airing his frustrations at Williams whilst on live broadcast, he pulled Alex close to him for a ‘congratulatory’ hug, gently squeezing his side in a weak attempt to comfort him. If George knew anything about Alex, it was that he had an incredibly low pain tolerance. Alex smiled up at him in response, wrapping an arm around his waist and returning the squeeze before pulling away to complete his duties.
The younger male unwillingly walked away, being signalled for another interview across the room. All that clouded his mind was Alex, despite the fact it was a minor injury.
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Managing to finally escape the busy fan zone and the demands of team debriefs, George stood in Alex’s driver room, pacing around in an effort to calm himself down. He knew rationally, it was an overreaction. He couldn't help it, though. Alex was everything to him, even before they began their relationship. Lockdown had been challenging for him, yet seeing Alex’s bright smile across a Skype call, hearing him laugh as they played games together, texting mindlessly every single day, had gotten him through it. Alex had given him hope when there was none, and his talent and caring personality was forever overlooked by everyone. George felt the need to protect him, defend him to the media when they critiqued his performance and be his voice when he couldn't face confrontation.
He was snapped out of his thoughts when Alex opened the door, making a surprised noise when he clapped his eyes on his boyfriend.
“Jesus, you gave me a fright there” he managed to get out as he walked towards the younger male, standing in front of him to put a halt to his quickening pacing. Taking two fingers under his chin, Alex positioned George’s face to make their eyes meet, seeing the worried expression in his sapphire eyes and furrowed brow.
“Are you okay? I saw the blood, and then when you said this happens at every race? Alex this isn't fair on you. Your body is already under so much stress, your team shouldn't be forcing you to drive in these conditions!”
Alex moved his hand to stroke George's cheek, a simple show of comfort he knew George would appreciate. Given Alex’s experience with Appendicitis, he understood why the younger was so concerned. He knows George will never admit it, but he is frightened of injuries. Kind of ironic, being in one of the most dangerous sports in the world.
“Hey, it’s okay! I got used to it ages ago. It’s only a small tear and it will heal before the next race.” He tried to be comforting, still stroking his thumb across the other man's cheek and speaking quietly, creating their own little bubble.
“Here, let me patch you up. You shouldn't be used to this, sweet.” George pulled away and headed for the little cupboard in the corner which contained the first aid kit. He always had to be the brave one. Alex knew in times like this, no matter how minor, George liked to feel like he was helping. He needed to, needed to know he’d done the best he could for his boy.
Alex obliged, taking a seat on the couch placed conveniently in the middle of the room and taking down the upper half of his fireproofs, exposing his injury. Gently, George took out the disinfectant wipe, Alex felt cold hands upon his skin and the slight sting of the alcohol hitting his skin. All he could do was let out a hiss at the sensation before George reached forward with his free hand to place it on top of his.
“I know it stings, it’ll be better though” George muttered gently, continuing to wipe at the injury before retracting his hand from Alex’s and patting the tear dry with a cotton ball. Alex couldn't help but smile, feeling butterflies escape the cage in his stomach at George’s gentleness. He had always been like this, but each time it happened, it filled Alex with the intoxicating feeling of being loved.
After George applied the plaster and smoothed it down, he lightly squeezed Alex’s other shoulder to indicate he had finished. Turning around, Alex placed a chaste kiss on George's lips, short and sweet in case somebody walked in. He should've locked the door, he thought to himself.
“Any better now? I know you have the pain tolerance of a baby goat.” George asked, chuckling gently to show his relief.
Alex giggled lightly, nodding his head to reassure the younger. “Much better, you know, you suit being a medic.”
“Noted, but I tell you what, I am going up to the Williams offices tomorrow and getting them told about this. I mean it Alex, this isn't good for you. You shouldn't have to carry that team on your back and then suffer injuries for your hard work. For now, I'm going to tape some cotton balls to the inside of your fireproofs just to give you a bit of protection, okay? I don’t want you getting hurt for doing your job.”
“Hey! It’s okay, please don’t go up there on my account. I can handle it, yeah it’s sore but it’s tolerable. I’ll have a word with them first, please? I know they know we’re together, but please don’t go all protective boyfriend mode on them yet. Is it fit? Absolutely. But I don’t want them getting frustrated with you, okay?” Alex spoke firmly, now it was George's time to nod in agreement.
“Okay, I just worry about you, love.”
“I know, but let me handle this, we’ll get it sorted, okay?” Alex took George's hands, giving them three squeezes. I love you.
“If they don’t sort it though, I am going up there, or I'm going to apply to be your new team medic.”
They both laughed, pulling each other closer for a comforting hug. Home, safe. Alex knew that no matter what happened, George would be there to patch him up and keep him safe. And that's all he ever needed.